BARKING MAD

He said: “Drones have enormous economic potential and are already being used by emergency services, transport and energy providers and conservation groups to improve services, respond to incidents and save lives.

“While the vast majority of drone users are law-abiding and have good intentions, some operators are not aware of the rules, or choose to break them, putting public safety, privacy and security at risk.

“The government is taking a common sense approach to tackling this behaviour, ensuring the safe roll-out of this technology.”

Tim Johnson of the Civil Aviation Authority added: “Our priority is the safe operation of drones and we cannot underestimate the importance of understanding how to use drones safely, and responsibly.”

The Government’s consultation is now open until March next year.

SHARP RISE IN NEAR MISSES

By CHLOE MAYER

AIR safety groups have seen a sharp rise in drone incidents in recent years. Just six reports were made in 2014 according to UK Airprox Board. But that rose to 29 in 2015 and there were 56 by October this year. The board last month released details of some of the incidents, including:

In July a drone came within 5m of a plane at Liverpool John Lennon Airport.

A jet carrying 165 people had a “very near miss” as it passed over The Shard in central London in July.

A drone passed under the left wing of a plane as it landed in rainy weather at Heathrow in March.